forensics

American  

[fuh-ren-siks, -ziks] / fəˈrɛn sɪks, -zɪks /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. forensic science.

   For graduates in analytical chemistry, opportunities exist not only in the pharma sector but also in areas such as forensics and food processing.

   If we’ve been hacked, we’re going to need someone with experience in computer forensics and cybersecurity.

2. null Forensics a branch, department, lab, etc., employing professionals skilled in forensic science.

   The stained garments were sent to forensics for analysis.

3. the art or study of argumentation and formal debate.

   His prowess at cogent and engaging persuasion comes from his training in classical forensics.

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adjective

1. relating to, trained in, or making use of forensic science.

   She works in the forensics lab of a police department.

   A forensics expert determined that the marks were not made by teeth.

2. of or relating to the art or study of argumentation and formal debate.

   In our forensics program, students learn to speak with knowledge, grace, eloquence, respect, and winsomeness.

forensics British  

/ fəˈrɛnsɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular or plural) the art or study of formal debating

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Etymology

Origin of forensics

First recorded in 1840–45; plural of forensic ( def. ); cf. -ics ( def. )

Explanation

Forensics is the science behind investigating crimes. Studying evidence left at a crime scene is one part of forensics. Forensics can also be called forensic science. Whenever scientific methods — like fingerprint analysis — are applied to a criminal investigation, that's forensics. The word's Latin root is forensis, "in open court," and today much of the evidence uncovered by forensics is eventually presented in open court, as part of a legal case. Another meaning of forensics is "the formal art of debate." If you're interested in speech and debate, you might join your school's forensics team.

Example Sentences

On Sunday, about 10 forensics workers were seen sifting through material on Coldharbour Lane at the site of the shooting, which the BBC was told is often used to host barbecues.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

“We are conducting a thorough investigation with leading third-party forensics experts and are communicating directly with affected stakeholder groups as we have findings,” it said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Addressing more than a dozen criminal justice and forensics students—including two other groups who’d reviewed different cases for their class assignment—Stafford announced that U.S.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

The whole device was taken to the Paris police's forensics lab for full analysis.

From Barron's • Mar. 28, 2026

I interviewed the first forensics expert in the Dan Rather National Guard story, and he was then specifically picked up by The Washington Post, Chicago Sun-Times, Globe, NYT, etc., within forty-eight hours.

From "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman